The original theory of quartering upon which all rules are based is that after a marriage with an heiress, necessitating for the children the combination of two coats, the shield is divided into four quarters. These four are then numbered from the top left-hand (the dexter) corner (No. 1) across towards the sinister corner (No. 2) side of the shield; then the next row is numbered in the same way (Nos. 3 and 4). This rule as to the method of numbering holds good for any number of quarterings.

Arms of Nancy, France Blazon: Argent a thistle proper, a chief per pale, the first per quarterly i barry of eight argent and gules, ii azure semé de lis or a label of three points gules, iii azure semé de lis … Continue reading →